Serve & Protect

State doing its part to keep sex offenders at bay

May 18, 2012

Of the hundreds of sex offenders in West Virginia, it appears just 14 have not complied with the state's registry law. State Police are looking for them and, once they are located, they will be punished for thumbing their noses at the rule.

But the relatively low number of on-the-run sex offenders in West Virginia makes it clear state officials were right to opt out of a new federal program.

Federal officials want all states to establish three-tier systems to classify sex offenders. Those guilty of the most heinous crimes would be required to check in quarterly with the authorities to verify information such as residences. Those in the other two tiers would have to go to police once or twice a year.

State Police troopers already conduct surprise visits to sex offenders' homes at least once a year, to ensure they are providing accurate information for the online registry. In many ways, the unannounced inspections to offenders' homes are more effective than scheduled visits to police.

At least 34 other states also have opted out of the federal program, probably for reasons similar to those cited in West Virginia.

Using the federal system would require manpower the State Police do not have.

Like so many other local and state agencies, law enforcement needs flexibility to do its job properly. Being bogged down in paperwork means fewer personnel out enforcing the law and investigating crimes. In West Virginia, going along with the federal system would mean fewer troopers out looking for sex offenders who have refused to comply with the registry law.

By sticking with their own methods, State Police are providing West Virginians more protection against sex offenders.